Following on from the British Airways strike news in my previous blog (here) a further blow has been dealt to those passengers who booked flights after 2nd November, the date Unite first announced that they were to hold a strike ballot. The Association of British Insurers(ABI) have announced that it is unlikely that passengers will be covered by insurance policies as they should have ‘assumed’ a walkout would occur.

“Travel insurance is designed to cover unforeseen events and circumstances you could not be reasonably expected to be aware of” said Malcolm Tarling, of the ABI.

“When the strike ballot was announced, it was reasonable there would be strike action. If you can be reasonably expected to know something is happening then you are not covered.”

The airline has promised to refund the price of cancelled flights, however no other additional costs caused by the cancellations will be covered.

Bob Atkinson, travel expert from travelsupermarket.com, described the cabin crew strike as “double disaster” for BA.

“Its customers are now going to be significantly affected and the airline will take a financial hit from the action,” he said.

“It’s an incredibly sad day for the British Airways brand. It’s 12 years since BA staff members have taken direct action and, whilst they may believe they have a strong case in their disagreement with BA management, the real losers here are the everyday leisure and business customers who will have their Christmas and new year plans disrupted.”